Rent vs. Bring: A Review of Electric Bike Rental Services in Various Tourist Cities

Electric bikes have revolutionized urban exploration for travelers, offering the perfect balance of exercise and ease for discovering new cities. As a vacation activity, e-biking provides flexibility, environmental benefits, and access to areas that might be difficult to reach otherwise. But travelers face a crucial decision: should you rent an e-bike at your destination or bring your own?

This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of each option, with up-to-date information on rental services in popular tourist cities and practical advice for those considering bringing their own e-bike on vacation.

Table of Contents:

• The Global E-Bike Rental Market
• E-Bike Rental Services in Popular Tourist Cities
• The Logistics of Bringing Your Own E-Bike
• Cost Comparison: Renting vs. Bringing
• Making the Right Choice for Your Trip

The Global E-Bike Rental Market

The electric bike rental market is experiencing explosive growth worldwide. According to market research, the global e-bike rental market was valued at approximately $3.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $8.5 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2025 to 2032 The Electric Bike Rental Market Size was valued at USD 3.1 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8.5 Billion by 2032, growing at a 11.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2032..

This rapid expansion is being driven by several factors:

1. Urban Mobility Needs: As cities become more congested, e-bikes offer a practical solution for efficient transportation.
2. Tourism Growth: Travelers increasingly seek eco-friendly, flexible ways to explore destinations.
3. Technological Advances: Improvements in battery technology, GPS tracking, and mobile app integration have enhanced the user experience.
4. Government Support: Many cities are investing in cycling infrastructure and sustainable transportation initiatives.

The market can be segmented into three primary applications: Urban Mobility, Tourism and Recreation, and Corporate Mobility Solutions. For travelers, the Tourism and Recreation segment is most relevant, with services ranging from hourly rentals to guided tours and multi-day adventures The Tourism and Recreation segment appeals to travelers seeking eco-friendly ways to explore urban and rural landscapes. Sub-segments in this category often include guided tours, leisure rentals, and adventure packages, enhancing the overall travel experience while minimizing carbon footprints..

E-Bike Rental Services in Popular Tourist Cities

London, UK

London's e-bike scene has expanded dramatically in recent years. As of 2025, the city offers several prominent rental options:

• Lime Bikes: The most accessible option with 97% of Londoners within two minutes of a bike. Pricing starts at £1 to unlock plus 23p per minute.
• Santander Cycles: Now featuring 2,000 e-bikes (up from 600 previously), with costs of £3.30 for 30 minutes or £3 per day for unlimited 30-minute rides.
• HumanForest: Offers an eco-friendly option with 10 free minutes daily, then 15p per minute, though a £1.50 fee applies if parked outside designated zones In fast-paced London, electric bike rentals are a quick, eco-friendly way to navigate the city. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this 2025 guide breaks down your options..

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is particularly well-suited for cycling, with its favorable climate and relatively flat layout making it accessible for riders of all skill levels. The city offers a variety of e-bike rental options:

• Bicing: Barcelona's public bike sharing system, though it's important to note this service is only available to residents, not tourists You might spot stations of bright red rental bicycles throughout the city as part of the Bicing network. However, Bicing is only available to locals..
• Ocean Bikes Barcelona: Located in the Port Olimpic area, they offer premium e-bikes at €35 for a day's rental Ocean Bikes chose the perfect time to bring their fleet of chic Italian bikes into the Port Olimpic, as the marina is currently being reformed for the Americas Cup and will be one of the most attractive and important hubs in Barcelona from 2024 onwards..
• Donkey Republic: Offers a flexible, app-based rental system with multiple pickup locations throughout the city Explore the Gothic Quarter: The Gothic Quarter is the historic center of Barcelona and is home to some of the city's most beautiful landmarks, such as the Barcelona Cathedral and la Música Catalana..

Barcelona's extensive network of bicycle lanes makes it ideal for exploration by e-bike, with popular routes including the seafront promenade and routes through the Gothic Quarter.

Paris, France

Paris has embraced cycling culture with significant infrastructure investments in recent years. The city offers several e-bike rental options:

• Vélib': Paris's large-scale bike sharing system now includes electric bikes. Tourists can choose between single-ride options (TicketV) or passes for 24 hours or 3 days As a tourist, you have the choice between 4 options: the TicketV for a single ride, Pass 24h classic or electric, or the 3-day pass..
• Paris Bike Tour: Located near Centre Pompidou, they offer powerful e-bikes with a 60km range. Available for 4-hour half-day tours (morning or afternoon) or full-day tours Paris Bike Tour offers powerful electric bikes with a range of 60 km, in its branch just a few steps from the Pompidou Center..

A security deposit of approximately €1,000 is typically required when renting an e-bike in Paris, though this can usually be provided via credit card authorization rather than an actual payment.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, already famous for its cycling culture, has embraced e-bikes as an extension of its two-wheeled tradition:

• Black Bikes: A prominent rental company with numerous locations throughout the city. E-bike rentals start from €20.69, with e-bikes available in Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Utrecht Renting an electric bike is an excellent alternative to public transportation. It's also cheaper and more environmentally friendly than a car. An electric bike is the fastest way to travel through city centres..
• Electric cargo bikes are also available for families traveling together, with models like the Urban Arrow Family offering safe transportation for children through the city Urban Arrow Family is a cargo bike with electric pedal assistance that allows you to maneuver your children safely and quickly through the city..
• Donkey Republic: Offers flexible bike rentals starting at €1.70 for 15 minutes or €10 per day Explore Amsterdam on a Donkey Republic bike, the city's largest bike fleet! Rent bikes/e-bikes for €1.70/15 min or €10/day..

Amsterdam's extensive cycling infrastructure makes it particularly e-bike friendly, with dedicated paths throughout the city.

Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver has developed into a premier destination for e-biking with its stunning natural scenery and growing cycling infrastructure:

• Independent rental companies: Including Bee's Knees, Cycle City, Yes Cycle, and Jo-e Cycles offer various e-bike models.
• Bike sharing options: Companies like Mobi and Lime provide convenient grab-and-go electric bike rentals throughout the city.
• Hotel partnerships: Many accommodations in Vancouver offer e-bike rentals to guests Vancouver has a plethora of independent e-bike rental companies and tour operators. Some of the options include: Bee's Knees, Cycle City, Yes Cycle, Jo-e Cycles..

Popular e-biking routes in Vancouver include the 9-kilometer Stanley Park seawall loop, offering stunning views of the city, mountains, and ocean.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo offers a unique urban e-biking experience with a blend of modern city exploration and natural settings:

• Cycle Tokyo: A rental company offering various electric bikes, including city bikes, touring bikes, and folding bikes, complete with helmets and locks Cycle Tokyo is a bike rental company that offers a variety of electric bikes, including city bikes, touring bikes, and folding bikes. They also provide helmets and locks with their rentals, and their staff can provide recommendations for the best bike routes in Tokyo..
• Local rentals: Some rental shops near tourist areas like Kasuga Station offer e-bikes for approximately 1,000 yen per day It's a great way to get some exercise, see the sites, and go at my own pace. My electric bike rental place of choice is near the Kasuga Station. It costs 1,000yen for the day for an electric bike..

Tokyo's e-bike friendly routes include the Arakawa Cycling Road (a 55-kilometer path along the Arakawa River) and the Tamagawa Cycling Road (a 20-kilometer path along the Tamagawa River).

The Logistics of Bringing Your Own E-Bike

For riders who've invested in a quality electric bike, bringing your personal e-bike on vacation might seem appealing. However, there are significant logistical challenges to consider:

Air Travel Restrictions

The primary challenge when flying with an e-bike is the battery. Airlines have strict regulations regarding lithium-ion batteries due to fire risk:

• Battery capacity limits: International regulations stipulate that a battery carried by an airline passenger must not exceed 100Wh capacity. With pre-authorization, you may be able to carry a battery of up to 160Wh International regulations stipulate a battery carried by an airline passenger must not exceed 100Wh capacity. With pre-authorisation, you may be able to carry a battery of up to 160Wh capacity, although some airlines waive the pre-authorisation requirement..
• Most e-bike batteries exceed these limits: Typical e-bike batteries range from 250Wh to 750Wh, far exceeding airline limits Any rechargeable lithium battery larger than 100Wh is prohibited from being taken onto a plane. This rule is in place because lithium-ion batteries pose a significant risk of overheating and catching fire, which can be hazardous during a flight..
• Airline policies vary: Some airlines ban electric bikes entirely, while others may accept an e-bike if the battery is removed. Always check with your specific airline before making plans.

Alternative Transport Options

If flying with your e-bike proves challenging, consider these alternatives:

• Train travel: Many train services have more accommodating policies for e-bikes. For example, Eurostar allows electric bikes on routes between London, Paris, and Brussels (though there's a 30kg weight limit) To book ahead of time email travelservices@eurostar.com. The service is limited to routes between London, Paris and Brussels. It is also said that only bikes under 30kg will be accepted..
• Ferries and road travel: Sea crossings and road trips generally have fewer restrictions for e-bikes than air travel.
• Shipping services: For longer distances, professional bike shipping services can transport your e-bike (sometimes including the battery) for between $75-$200 domestically If your travels take you on an airplane, and your e-bike must go as well, you might find it less of a hassle to have your e-bike shipped to your destination. You can choose from several shipping companies that will typically charge you $75 to $200 to ship your e-bike domestically..

Creative Solutions

If you're determined to bring your own e-bike frame but can't transport the battery, consider these workarounds:

• Rent a battery at your destination: Some bike shops in popular cycling destinations offer battery rentals. This allows you to bring your familiar e-bike frame but power it locally Renting a battery before you arrive is the safest choice. This is much less costly than renting an entire e-bike, which is a plus since e-bikes are much more costly to rent than regular bikes..
• Use a range extender: Some e-bike models support additional battery packs called range extenders. The Specialized range extender, for instance, is exactly 160Wh—right at the upper limit of what's allowed on planes with pre-authorization One workaround could be leaving your primary battery at home and only bringing the range extender. For instance, the Specialized range extender is exactly 160Wh—right at the upper limit of what's allowed with pre-authorization..

Cost Comparison: Renting vs. Bringing

Making a financial decision between renting and bringing requires considering several factors:

Rental Costs

E-bike rental costs vary significantly by location and rental duration:

• Hourly rates: Typically range from $10-20 per hour
• Daily rates: Average between $35-100 per day
• Weekly rates: Often available at discounted rates of $200-400 per week Electric bike rental costs can range from as little as $10-$20 per hour to $50-$100 for a full day. Weekly rates may also be available and typically offer savings compared to daily rates, sometimes ranging between $200-$400 a week.

Factors affecting rental costs include:

• Location (major tourist cities typically charge more)
• E-bike quality and specifications
• Season and demand (peak tourist seasons command higher prices)
• Additional services (guided tours, accessories, etc.)

Costs of Bringing Your Own

Transporting your own e-bike involves various expenses:

• Airline fees: Many airlines charge supplemental fees for sports equipment, which can range from $50-150 each way.
• Protective case or bag: Quality bike travel cases can cost $200-500.
• Shipping costs: If using a shipping service, expect to pay $75-200 domestically and significantly more for international shipping.
• Insurance: Consider the cost of additional travel insurance to cover your e-bike during transit.

Hidden Costs and Considerations

Beyond the direct financial comparison, consider these factors:

• Convenience value: Renting eliminates the hassle of transporting a bulky e-bike.
• Familiarity benefit: Bringing your own means riding a bike whose handling and performance you already know.
• Risk factor: Traveling with an expensive e-bike carries the risk of damage or theft.
• Flexibility: Renting allows you to choose different e-bike models suited to various terrains or activities.

Making the Right Choice for Your Trip

The decision between renting and bringing your own e-bike depends on several factors specific to your trip:

When Renting Makes Sense

Consider renting an e-bike if:

• You're flying to your destination: Given the complications of air travel with e-bikes, renting is usually simpler.
• Your trip is relatively short: For trips under a week, the convenience of renting often outweighs the benefits of bringing your own.
• You're visiting a bike-friendly city: Major tourist destinations typically have well-established rental services with quality e-bikes.
• You want to try different models: Renting allows you to experience various e-bike types during your vacation.
• You're traveling light: Avoiding the need to transport a bulky e-bike simplifies your overall travel experience.

When Bringing Your Own Makes Sense

Consider bringing your own e-bike if:

• You're traveling by car, train, or ferry: These transportation methods have fewer restrictions than air travel.
• Your trip is longer: For extended stays, the economics of bringing your own bike may be more favorable.
• You're visiting rural areas: Locations with limited rental options may necessitate bringing your own.
• You have specialized needs: If you require specific adaptations or features not commonly available in rental fleets.
• You're planning serious cycling: For dedicated cycling vacations where having your precisely fitted bike enhances the experience.

Hybrid Approaches

For some travelers, combining approaches might work best:

• Ship your e-bike, fly yourself: Using a bike shipping service can eliminate the hassles of personally transporting your e-bike.
• Bring your frame, rent a battery: This approach gives you the familiarity of your own bike with the convenience of not dealing with battery transport restrictions.
• Start with rentals, then decide: If you fall in love with e-biking in a particular location, you might consider shipping your personal e-bike for future visits.

Conclusion

Electric bikes have transformed how travelers experience destinations, offering the perfect blend of exercise and assistance for exploring new places. The decision between renting and bringing your own e-bike comes down to a balance of convenience, cost, and personal preference.

For most travelers, especially those flying to their destinations, renting an e-bike locally is the simpler and more practical choice. Major tourist cities have developed robust rental ecosystems with quality options at increasingly competitive prices.

However, for dedicated e-bike enthusiasts embarking on cycling-focused vacations or traveling by land, bringing a personal e-bike might enhance the experience despite the logistical challenges.

Whichever option you choose, exploring your destination on an electric bike offers a unique perspective that combines the freedom of cycling with the range and comfort that electric assistance provides. Happy riding!